MICROWAVE RICE

It's hard to cut the cooking time for rice because rice grains need a certain amount of time to absorb water, whether they're cooked on the range top or in your microwave oven. However, rice that's already cooked can be speedily reheated in the microwave. The next time you have leftover rice, think of this colorful and fast microwave fix up. Stir in a little water with the rice and it will turn out as moist and fluffy as the day you first served it.

Spanish Rice1 large green pepper, coarsely chopped

1 large tomato, coarsely chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 tablespoons margarine or butter

2 cups cooked rice

1-3rd cup water

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper\ In a 1-quart microwave-safe casserole combine green pepper, tomato, onion and margarine or butter. Cook, covered, on 100 percent power (high) for 5 to 6 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring once. Stir in cooked rice, water, salt and pepper. Cook, covered, on high for 3 to 4 minutes or until mixture is heated through, stirring once. Makes 6 side-dish servings.